Frozen Meatballs in the Crockpot

These crockpot frozen meatballs are the easiest way to make a crowd-pleasing appetizer or weeknight dinner. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it simmer—no thawing needed, and every bite is tender, saucy, and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love These Frozen Meatballs in the Crockpot

If you’ve ever wondered how to make frozen meatballs in the crockpot without any hassle, this recipe is the one to keep. It’s incredibly easy—just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, turn it on, and let it do all the work. There’s no need to thaw the meatballs, no extra prep, and no standing over the stove. The result? Perfectly tender, juicy Italian meatballs that soak up all the flavor from the rich tomato sauce as they cook low and slow.

This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, but it’s also one of my go-to dishes for family gatherings, holidays, and parties. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and no one would ever guess it started with frozen meatballs. If you’ve got a few pantry staples and a slow cooker, you’re just a few hours away from one of the easiest meatball recipes you'll find. 

Ingredients You'll Need

• 1lb. bag of frozen meatballs 
• 2 cups sauce (spaghetti sauce, marinara sauce, BBQ sauce, or any other sauce you want)

How To Cook Frozen Meatballs In The Crock Pot

Step 1: Add the meatballs

Take out your crock pot and add the frozen meatballs to it. Make sure they're all in one even layer on the bottom of the pot.

Step 2: Cover The Meatballs with Sauce

Pour the sauce of your choice over the meatballs. You want them to be fully coated, so feel free to add more sauce if needed.

Step 3: Cook the meatballs

Put the lid on the crockpot and set it to cook on low heat for at least 6 hours, up to 8 hours, until the meat is nice and tender. If you're in a rush, you can cook them on high heat for 4 hours.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the meatballs to serving plates and garnish with a little fresh basil. Serve these crockpot Italian meatballs warm and dig in!

Pro Tips for Crock Pot Frozen Meatballs

• Stir occasionally. If possible, gently stir the meatballs every hour to keep them evenly coated in sauce and prevent sticking or burning around the edges.
• Add more sauce if needed. If the sauce starts to look too thick during cooking, add a little more to keep the meatballs tender and well-coated.
• Check for doneness. The meatballs are ready when they’re fork-tender and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Add a finishing touch. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the meatballs just before serving for an added boost of flavor.
• Keep warm for serving. If you're hosting or feeding a crowd, switch the crockpot to the “warm” setting after cooking and leave the meatballs in for up to 2 hours. It makes this the perfect make-ahead recipe.

FAQs About Frozen Meatballs In the Crockpot

How do I store and reheat leftover crockpot meatballs?

Let the meatballs cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm them on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of extra sauce or water to prevent them from drying out.

Can you cook frozen meatballs in the crock pot?

Yes, you absolutely can, and that's what this recipe is all about! I've actually found that cooking them in the crock pot yields better results than using the stovetop or oven. 

Do I need to thaw frozen meatballs before cooking them in the crockpot?

No thawing needed! That’s the beauty of this method—you can add the meatballs straight from the freezer. Just dump everything in the slow cooker, set the time, and let it do the work.

Can I use uncooked meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, you can! You'll want to brown the meatballs on all sides in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. Cooking them first will help keep the meat nice and juicy while it cooks more in the sauce.

What should I serve with crockpot meatballs?

They make delicious meatball subs with some cheese on a roll, or you can serve them along with things like this million dollar spaghetti casserole, fried spaghetti, zucchini tomato casserole, and baguette garlic bread.

More Crock Pot Recipes

• Crock pot frozen turkey breast
• Frozen chicken thighs crock pot recipe
• Frozen chicken in the crock pot
• Slow cooker frozen roast
• Crock pot Buffalo chicken
• Crock pot chicken and rice
• Crock pot chicken parmesan